Lifestyle changes await incoming freshmen

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Heading off to college for the first time is an event that may fill many freshmen with excitement for and anticipation of new experiences. \nThis may be the first time that many freshmen have been away from home for an extended period of time. This is the case for University of Louisville freshman Emily Wortham. \nLike many, Wortham comes from a tight-knit family.\n“I’m really close to my mom, so it’s going to be weird not being in a house with someone to talk to 24-7,” she said. \nWortham said that some of the things that she will miss the most will be eating dinner and watching television with her family. \nNot only do new incoming freshmen leave their families behind, but most leave behind some close friends as well. This can be especially tough when friends are states apart. \nSenior Rachel Hart said when she was a freshman she “dealt with those feelings by getting involved on campus.” \nFor Wortham, getting involved on campus is also the key. \n“I really want to get in shape and do intramurals, and I definitely have the season tickets to the basketball and football games,” Wortham said. \nLeaving behind a boyfriend or girlfriend is another issue freshmen deal with. \nWortham became single after coming to college.\n“Personally, I want to take advantage of all my new opportunities at University of Louisville. I think you miss part of the experience if you’re focusing on someone who is not there,” she said. \nLaura Byrd, a counselor and outreach coordinator for the University of Louisville Counseling Center said it’s up to the individuals to decide whether or not maintaining a long-distance relationship is the best thing. \nByrd said maintaining relationships is something that a lot of people often have trouble with, especially if there is considerable distance between the couple. \n“A lot of times, I like to help people not think of things as so black and white. Maybe you can keep this person in your life, but you don’t have to talk to them every single day like you’re used to doing,” she said. “If you want to make something work, you’re going to have to make time, whether it’s on the phone or in person. You could write letters or send care packages.”